Pashana Bheda is a herb mentioned in the classics of Ayurveda. The botanical name of the herb is Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb. It is a herb of temperate zones of Himalayas, from Kashmir to Bhutan and Khasi Hills of Assam. It is found with thick rhizomatous rootstocks, radical leaves, bright red, cordate, hairy surface, shortly stalked, broadly ovate or suborbicular, pinkish flowers with Corymbose clusters, fruits capsules, subglobose, elongated seeds. Plant is used medicinally in India and China. It is known as “Pashana Bheda” due to luxuriant growth in rocky area and use of Rhizome to dissolving and destroying stone in the Bladder or Kidneys. Root contains Bergenin, Tannic Acid, Flavonoides, Benzenoids, Gallic Acid, Actone and Glucose. Roots exhibit Diuretic, Anti-Diabetic, Hepatoprotective, Antipyretic and Blood Pressure lowering activity. This drug is also used in Unani system of medicine for treatment of many ailments. According to texts of Ayurveda, the root is bitter, pungent and cool. It balances Vata, Pitta and Kapha; useful in piles, tumors, heart diseases, spleen enlargement, ulcers and dysentery. It is one of the major ingredient of formulations like Ashmarihar Kasaya, Mutravirechan Kashaya etc. The herbal tea of Pashana Bheda is prepared from root and is given to treat Asthma and High Fever.
Dr. Shiddamallayya N.
(arri.itanagar@gmail.com)